Simbrinza (brinzolamide/brimonidine tartrate) is a brand-name eye drop prescribed to help reduce eye pressure. It’s used in adults and certain children with specific eye conditions. Simbrinza can cause side effects, including blurred vision.

Simbrinza can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Simbrinza in clinical trials:

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics.”

Mild side effects can occur with Simbrinza use. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Simbrinza’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects that have been reported with Simbrinza include:

  • eye irritation
  • burning, stinging, or a feeling that something is in your eye
  • headache
  • changes in taste
  • dry mouth
  • blurred vision*

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while using Simbrinza and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics.”

Simbrinza may cause serious side effects. This section may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Simbrinza’s prescribing information.

If you develop serious side effects while using Simbrinza, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Lowered blood pressure was a serious side effect that was reported with Simbrinza. To learn more, see the “Side effect specifics” section.

ALLERGIC REACTION

For some people, Simbrinza can cause an allergic reaction. But it’s not clear how often this side effect occurred in the drug’s studies.

In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep using the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Simbrinza, your doctor may recommend using a different medication instead.

Simbrinza may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers.

How do side effects of Simbrinza compare with those of brinzolamide (Azopt)?

Simbrinza and Azopt share an active ingredient, brinzolamide, so they also share some side effects. For example, commonly reported side effects for both medications include blurry vision and changes in taste. (Azopt is used to treat increased eye pressure in certain people.)

Simbrinza also has some different side effects from Azopt, such as lowered blood pressure. This is because it also contains another active ingredient, brimonidine tartrate. For more details about this side effect, see the “Side effect specifics” section.

Talk with your doctor for more information about how the side effects of Simbrinza compare with those of Azopt.

Is Simbrinza safe for older adults?

Yes, Simbrinza is safe for older adults (ages 65 years and older). No differences in safety or effectiveness were reported between older adults and the general adult population in clinical trials.

If you’re an older adult and you have concerns about using Simbrinza, talk with your doctor.

Learn more about some of the side effects that Simbrinza may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Simbrinza.

Blurred vision

Blurred vision was a common side effect reported in clinical trials of Simbrinza. Typically, this side effect occurred temporarily after someone took a dose of Simbrinza.

What you can do

Because your vision may become blurry, you should be cautious when operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle during Simbrinza treatment. You may want to avoid these activities until you know how Simbrinza affects you and your vision.

If your blurry vision becomes bothersome or severe, talk with your doctor. They may recommend ways to manage this side effect or suggest a different medication for your eye pressure.

Lowered blood pressure

Lowered blood pressure was a side effect reported in clinical trials of brimonidine tartrate, an active ingredient of Simbrinza. It’s not clear how often this side effect occurred. Typically, brimonidine tartrate lowers blood pressure about 2 hours after you take a dose.

Low blood pressure may cause symptoms such as:

  • lightheadedness
  • dizziness
  • fainting

Lowered blood pressure with Simbrinza can also cause orthostatic hypotension, a condition in which your blood pressure drops suddenly when you stand up from a lying or seated position.

What you can do

Talk with your doctor about all medical conditions you have and all prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you take.

Some medical conditions, such as severe heart conditions, may be affected by Simbrinza. Certain medications, including blood pressure medications, can increase your risk of very low blood pressure. Your doctor will help you decide whether Simbrinza is the right medication for you.

If you develop symptoms of low blood pressure, talk with your doctor right away. They may recommend ways to manage your symptoms or consider a different medication for your eye pressure.

Before using Simbrinza, discuss your health history with your doctor. Simbrinza may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.